Pulmonary embolus

Alternative names

Venous thrombo-embolism; Lung blood clot; Fat embolus; Air embolus; Tumor embolus

Definition

A pulmonary embolus is a blockage of an artery in the lungs by fat, air, clumped tumor cells, or a blood clot.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Pulmonary emboli are blockages of the blood vessels of the lungs (pulmonary vessels). Most often they are caused by blood clots from the veins, especially veins in the legs or in the pelvis (hips). More rarely, air bubbles, fat droplets, amniotic fluid, or clumps of parasites or tumor cells may obstruct the pulmonary vessels.

The most common cause of a pulmonary embolism is a blood clot in the veins of the legs, called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Many vlear up on their own, though some may cause severe illness or even death.

Risk factors include the following:

• Prolonged bed rest or inactivity (including long trips in planes, cars, or trains),
  
• Oral contraceptive use
  
• Surgery (especially pelvic surgery)
  
• Childbirth
  
• Massive trauma
  
• Burns
  
• Cancer
  
• Stroke
  
• Heart attack
  
• Heart surgery
  
• Fractures of the hips or femur
  

Persons with certain clotting disorders may also have a higher risk.

Symptoms

It is important to note that the symptoms of pulmonary embolism may be vague or may resemble symptoms associated with other diseases:

• cough
  o begins suddenly
  o may produce bloody sputum (significant amounts of visible blood or lightly blood streaked sputum)
  
• sudden onset of shortness of breath at rest or with exertion
  
• splinting of ribs with breathing (e.g., bending over or holding the chest)
  
• chest pain
  o under the breastbone or on one side
  o especially sharp or stabbing; also may be burning, aching or dull, heavy sensation
  o may be worsened by breathing deeply, coughing, eating, bending, or stooping
  
• breathing, rapid
  
• rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
  

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: